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Most people think of a traditional experimental design when they consider research and published research papers. There is, however, a type of research that is more observational in nature, and it is appropriately referred to as “observational studies.”
There are many valuable reasons to utilize an observational study design. But, just as in research experimental design, different methods can be used when you’re considering this type of study. In this article, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of an observational study design, as well as the 3 types of observational studies.
What is Observational Study Design?
An observational study is when researchers are looking at the effect of some type of intervention, risk, a diagnostic test or treatment, without trying to manipulate who is, or who isn’t, exposed to it.
This differs from an experimental study, where the scientists are manipulating who is exposed to the treatment, intervention, etc., by having a control group, or those who are not exposed, and an experimental group, or those who are exposed to the intervention, treatment, etc. In the best studies, the groups are randomized, or chosen by chance.
Any evidence derived from systematic reviews is considered the best in the hierarchy of evidence, which considers which studies are deemed the most reliable. Next would be any evidence that comes from randomized controlled trials. Cohort studies and case studies follow, in that order.
Cohort studies and case studies are considered observational in design, whereas the randomized controlled trial would be an experimental study.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of observational study design.
The 3 types of Observational Studies
The different types of observational studies are used for different reasons. Selecting the best type for your research is critical to a successful outcome. One of the main reasons observational studies are used is when a randomized experiment would be considered unethical. For example, a life-saving medication used in a public health emergency. They are also used when looking at aetiology, or the cause of a condition or disease, as well as the treatment of rare conditions.
Case Control Observational Study
Researchers in case control studies identify individuals with an existing health issue or condition, or “cases,” along with a similar group without the condition, or “controls.” These two groups are then compared to identify predictors and outcomes. This type of study is helpful to generate a hypothesis that can then be researched.
Cohort Observational Study
This type of observational study is often used to help understand cause and effect. A cohort observational study looks at causes, incidence and prognosis, for example. A cohort is a group of people who are linked in a particular way, for example, a birth cohort would include people who were born within a specific period of time. Scientists might compare what happens to the members of the cohort who have been exposed to some variable to what occurs with members of the cohort who haven’t been exposed.
Cross Sectional Observational Study
Unlike a cohort observational study, a cross sectional observational study does not explore cause and effect, but instead looks at prevalence. Here you would look at data from a particular group at one very specific period of time. Researchers would simply observe and record information about something present in the population, without manipulating any variables or interventions. These types of studies are commonly used in psychology, education and social science.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Observational Study Design
Observational study designs have the distinct advantage of allowing researchers to explore answers to questions where a randomized controlled trial, or RCT, would be unethical. Additionally, if the study is focused on a rare condition, studying existing cases as compared to non-affected individuals might be the most effective way to identify possible causes of the condition. Likewise, if very little is known about a condition or circumstance, a cohort study would be a good study design choice.
A primary advantage to the observational study design is that they can generally be completed quickly and inexpensively. A RCT can take years before the data is compiled and available. RCTs are more complex and involved, requiring many more logistics and details to iron out, whereas an observational study can be more easily designed and completed.
The main disadvantage of observational study designs is that they’re more open to dispute than an RCT. Of particular concern would be confounding biases. This is when a cohort might share other characteristics that affect the outcome versus the outcome stated in the study. An example would be that people who practice good sleeping habits have less heart disease. But, maybe those who practice effective sleeping habits also, in general, eat better and exercise more.
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